World Cup Highlights: Ireland 16-9 Italy

A relieved Ireland played the last eight minutes against Italy with 14 men but they held their nerve and emerged victorious at the Olympic Stadium. It was not an easy ride for Ireland as the Italian’s put in a much improved performance after they had struggled to beat Canada at the weekend. The return of captain and number eight Sergio Parisse reinvigorated the Italians and transformed them.

They defended extremely well, disrupting Ireland at the scrum and the breakdown. Simone Favaro was also influential in this game, making his tackles and winning turnovers. Ireland needed the heroics of lock Iain Henderson, as his series of carries and hunger around the breakdown helped to save some face for the Ireland back row.

Peter O’Mahony last gasp tackle on Josh Furno saved the Irish as the Italians looked set to take the lead on 48 minutes. However two Johnny Sexton penalties either side of the hour gave Ireland breathing space but they endured a nervous finish as O’Mahony’s yellow card saw them completing the game with 14 players – Watch official World Cup highlights here.

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